Effortless Styling Essentials

While I’ve been in the process of curating my dream wardrobe I feel like I’ve been on a little journey. I’m clearing out quite a few old items to make room for new ones and along the way I’ve been having a lot of fun just experimenting with my style and trying new things (aka leaving the comfort of my trusty black skinny jeans…).

Aside from falling in love with the dream wardrobe that I’m creating, I’ve realised that there are certain pieces, certain elements of putting together a look that just make all my outfits look more cohesive. When I’m under a time crunch, rushing out the door or even if I’m just feeling a little on the lazy side or I’m not sure what to wear, these are the wardrobe essentials I always have at the ready that are complete life (and time) savers.

JEANS

I’ve always found that jeans are the best item in my wardrobe in terms of versatility and wearability and you know what? This may sound dramatic but when I found this pair (that I’m wearing in these photos) of mid waist light wash denim jeans I swear, it was like my entire viewpoint on jeans had been refreshed. Yeah, a good boot leg cut or classic pair of skinny jeans will serve you well over the years because they quite literally go with anything, but jeans offer so many more possibilities. Jeans make for an effortless styling essential of mine, purely because there are SO many styles of jeans out there (especially now) that you can really afford to be more adventurous, branch out and try different jean styles and pretty much no matter what style you go for you’ll still be suitably dressed for almost any occasion. Oh jeans, I love you, and now I love you even more and will proceed to buy every nice new style of jeans that I find.

A WATCH

If you haven’t guessed it from my other outfit posts, I’m not big on jewellery. I had a jewellery phase when I was about 14 where I would wear bangles all up and down my arms, long dangly earrings and apparently I was trying to set some kind of record for how large of a ring a person could physically wear on their finger because oh man did I like the statement rings. Nowadays I opt for very minimal in the accessories department, usually some simple rings and most recently, a classic silver watch. Since I got this watch I’ve worn it with all my outfits and aside from being practical (hallelujah I can finally check the time without having to pick up my phone) I’m also wondering how I ever styled my outfits without this piece because it just makes everything look so classy, like the final cherry on top of my outfit. A classic watch is definitely an effortless styling essential.

COATS

It’s hard for me to imagine that there was ever a time that I didn’t like coats….um, who was I? Now they are the piece that makes me feel the most like me, without one I feel a little naked (this is why I have a problem with summer!).

For the A/W seasons, coats are obviously extremely practical to have as part of your wardrobe but they’re brilliant for another reason as well. Let’s be honest, coats hide a lot of what’s underneath (especially if you opt for a button up coat) so you can wear almost anything underneath and no one will be any the wiser. Commando under your coat, anyone? Just kidding, that’d be way too drafty.

If you’re not a coat hoarder lover like me then I’d say for a styling essential, stick with a black coat but if you are like me and can’t get enough of them, start collecting your coats like pokemons and get a cream coat, camel coat, trench coat, navy coat, black coat and grey one too! Then you’ll have all your bases covered and when A/W rolls around- planning your outfits just got a lot less complicated.

Feel free to drop your jaw to the floor, because I have fully realised the errors of my monochrome ways and realised that a pop of colour goes with my usual neutral toned outfits really damn well. I love wearing darker colours and despite being as pale as a ghost I would happily walk around in all black outfits but when you add an accessory, pair of coloured shoes or some kind of pop of colour to your outfit it’s like it fills a void that you didn’t even know existed (too dramatic again?).

If you’re styling an outfit and feel a little stuck, try leaving your comfort zone (or not, if you already love colour) and add a completely different colour tone to your outfit to make it that much more special. It’ll elevate your look without you even really trying. I know there are certain ‘rules’ out there about what colours go with which, but some of the best combinations I’ve seen are ones that I completely wouldn’t have expected. So even if you think some kind of colour match will look horrendous, try it out because you’ll probably surprise yourself. PS- sometimes I’ve tried this and I do indeed look bloody horrendous but hey, I learn from it, try a new colour combination or adding a different pop of colour and it all works out in the end.

*The Marc Bale watch was gifted to me. The shop links used at the bottom of this post are affiliate links, which means I would earn a small commission from the sales if you choose to make a purchase through those links.

Julia! I'm IN LOVE with your boots, they look so stylish and suits you perfect. I've been meaning to get similar ones but haven't seen them around here at all hehe. Also I'm with you – I used to be that girl with loads of statements rings and bangles too, hahaha. I had way too much going on even though my wrists and fingers were (still is) tiny. My styling essential is definitely a striped top 😉 and jeans!

Ah thanks Cherie, I'm pretty in love with them too (which is good because they cost me a pretty damn penny, haha). Oh my god maybe everyone went through that overload of rings and bangles phase as well? Maybe it's like a right of passage? 😉

OMG I'm the same! I have a problem with summer because I can't wear coats. I love the fact that you can totally wear whatever beneath your coat, it's very liberating.

That's a really nice watch, I need to invest in a quality one as I don't have a watch at the moment. Love the outfit, basics always look so good. Your yellow bag is a great pop of colour. xxCoco Bella Blog

Love that look on you 🙂 I can't pick a favourite piece cos I like each piece individually and all together!I love my jeans and coats too and I think its fabulous that in this era there are so many different styles around to choose from – there truly is something out there for everyone in every price range if you're patient enough to look, especially with internet shopping.

Thanks Natalie, I think 'simple but chic' is probably a pretty spot on way to describe how I dress which I'm totally okay with!

To be honest just wearing my old skinny jeans (even though I love them) I was starting to get a little bored as well but I think it's awesome how at the moment you can wear pretty much any cut or style of boots!

These photos are a dream girl, and I'm loving this outfit! You're spot on with all these essentials, absolute staple elements to any wardrobe. And this pop of yellow is a dream – who knew a yellow bag was a perfect wardrobe addition until now, hehe 🙂

Totally agree with all your wardrobe essentials! Especially the jeans! (Denim addict right here!) I love the idea of adding a pop of colour to an outfit too.. Such a fun way to mix it up!x Emilyhttp://shedoes.com.au

Great tips, you definitely have a solid sense of where your personal style lies 🙂 Although I adore tons of layered dainty jewellery, you make a great point about a watch working well on its own too for when you're not feeling like piling on the jewels!

Lovely post.Your wardrobe will look just as classy as you are!I need to find a pair of jeans to fall in love with. It's been hard…just because I prefer lighter fabrics, but winter is coming so hopes high!

Oh yes, I loved this post! I recently found out that wearing my watch makes my outfit look 100x better. My watch is only a secondhand cheapy one from Depop with no battery in, HAHA. Also, pops of colour is one I'll keep in mind! I usually like my top and shoes to match but I need to NOT keep spending my money on shoes, oops xx

Completely in love with this outfit!! This post was almost a reflection of my own thoughts. I've had new found love for investing in a variety of jeans, having a few watches and most recently bought a bright coloured bag! Isabella | http://www.digyhu.com

Ah this is such a beautiful post and there's something so gorgeous about your outfits and style – it's so effortless yet so chic and complete! I love your posts and always find myself looking forward to seeing your next post! 🙂

Finding personal style is such a journey and I'm glad that you're well on your way to getting there. I still think I have a few hurdles to cross – while I clearly know what I like and don't, I struggle with building my basics collection. I get so swayed by trends that I end up filling my wardrobe with them and regret buying them the next season. Also, your coat is perfection! I've been looking for one like that for a while now.